Washing machine



March 17, 1936. J. MIKULASEK WASHING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 170 Filed May 14, 1952 March 17, 1936. J. MIKULASEK WASHING MACHINE Filed May 14, 1932 March 17, 1936. -J, MIKULASEK WASHING MACHINE Filed May 14, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet C5 Patented Mar. 17, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WASHmG MACHINE of Delaware Application May 14, 1932, Serial No. 611,279

11 Claims.

The present invention relates to washing machines, and more in particular to a novel tub construction and agitator or impeller operating therein, and in the novel means and method of mounting and operating the agitator or impeller in the tub.

Among the objects of the present invention is to provide a novel agitator or impeller mounted and operated at an angle to the vertical or in an inclined position.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a novel means and method of operating the agitator or impellerr so as to give it a rapid oscillatory or reciprocatory movement. In the present embodiment, the agitator or impeller is provided with a single major vane or a plurality of vanes adapted to vigorously impel the washing iiuid in gyratory or circuitous paths, the washing liquid carrying along therewith the clothes being washed. The tub being circular in horizontal cross section and having its bottom concaved, assists the washing liquid in its path outwardly and downwardly from the impeller vane, thence across the bottom of the tub, thence up the sidewall, thence across the top and back to the agitator or impeller.

At the same time there is a rotary progression or movement about the inside of the tub. iirst in one direction and then in an opposite direction" as the agitator or impeller reverses its diretiii,

and since upon such reversal the movement of the washing liquid impelled by the agitator is also reversed, it will be clearly evident that a thorough agitation of the water and clothes sustained or suspended therein is accomplished. During the agitation or washing operation, the clothes are suspended in the washing or cleansing fluid without substantial rubbing contact with the impeller and side of the tub. In the preferred embodiment, the agitator or impeller oscillates or reverses its rotation after but a fraction of a revolution, although it is to be understood that the impeller or agitator may oscillate in a greater or smaller arc in order to secure the desired washing operation.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a novel means and mechanism for driving the rapidly oscillating or reciprocating the agitator or impeller in order to set up the desired washing action.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel tub structure provided with an agitator or impeller and operating mechanism therefor positioned adjacent a side wall of the tub and at an inclination to both the side wall and bottom of the tub.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a bead or rim in the tub structure within which the agitator or impeller oscillates or reciprocates.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a tub provided with a perforated bottom portion and novel sediment trap or pocket and drain means, the sediment trap or pocket being adapted to receive the separated dirt and other foreign particles whereby to prevent a churning and agitation of the separated dirt and sediment which gravitates to the bottom.

Further objects are to provide a construction of maximum simplicity, eillciency, and ease of assembly and operation; and such further objects, advantages and capabilities as will later more fully appear, and are inherently possessed thereby.

The invention further resides in the combination, construction and arrangements of parts illustrated in the drawings, and while there is shown therein a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the same is susceptible of modification and change, and comprehends other details, arrangements of parts, features and constructions, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In 'the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a view in side elevation of the novel washing machine with portions thereof broken away and shown in cross section to more clearly disclose the invention.

Fig, 2 is a fragmentary view in vertical cross section taken through the tub, agitator or impeller and the drive mechanism therefor.

Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view taken in a plane represented by the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the clutch plate.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary top plan view of a novel construction of agitator provided with two blades arranged in V-formation.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary cross sectional view through the torque or driving head.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of an alternative drive mechanism for reciprocating the agitator or impeller.

Referring more particularly to the disclosure in the drawings, the novel washing machine comprises a round tub I provided with a concave bottom 2 and substantially vertical side walls 3 merging with the bottom to form a smooth continuous surface. 'I'he tub is shown as provided with a skirt or housing I to which are attached supporting legs 5 having casters 6 permitting the tub to be readily moved. about. At one side of the tub and adjacent the bottom thereof is provided a housing or casing 1 enclosing driving mechanism for an impeller 8 and wringer 8, the latter being provided with a drive head I8 mounted upon a standard Il having its bearing in a bracket I2 attached to the tub and in a boss I3 provided in the top of the casing 1.

'I'he lower portion of the bottom 2 is perforated as at I4, this perforated portion being provided with a casing I5 forming a sediment trap or pocket. This casing is detachably connected to the tub bottom by attaching means I6 such as screws, bolts or the like, and the lower portion thereof is provided with a. nipple I1 attachcd to a drain hose I8 for permitting a ready and eflicient emptying of the cleansing liquid, dirt and other foreign particles after the washing operation. This sediment trap or pocket permits a separation of the dirt and sediment which normally gravitates to the bottom of the tub and thus will prevent a churning or agitation of this dirt or sediment as the water is being agitated. A lid I9 forms a closure for thc` top of the tub.

VThe means for driving theI agitator and wringer is disclosed as comp. sing a motor or other power plant 20 having a shaft 2| upon which is mounted va pulley 22 driving a belt'23` which in turn drivesva pulley 24 upon a shaft 25. this latter shaft passing into the housing or casing 1 and driving a worm 26 keyed thereto. This worm f vdrives a gear member having a worm wheel or gear 21 in mesh with the worm and a bevel gear 28 in meshing engagement with a bevel gear 29 on the wringe-r drive shaft 30. This wringer shaft 30 is coupled to an aligned shaft 3l by means of a coupling member 32. -struction it will be readily seen that Worm 26, worm wheel or gear 21 and bevel gears 28 and 29 are continuously rotated at all times that the motor or power plant is operated.

In order to reciprocate or oscillate the impeller or agitator 8, the worm wheel 21 and bevel gear 28 rotate upon a sleeve or bushing 33 housing the agitator or impeller4 shaft 34, the latter being rotatable within the sleeve or bushing. In order to take care of the end thrust and prevent shifting of the wheel or gear 21 and gear 28, the sleeve or bushing is provided with a shoulder 33L against which the wheel and gear seats. A clutch member 35 is also rotatable upon the sleeve 33 as well as being slidable thereon. This clutch member is provided with one or more pins 36 mounted thereon and extending through the gears 21 and 28 so that these gears and the clutch member rotate together.

In Figs. 1 and 2 the clutch member is disclosed as in raised or clutching position whereby the gears 21 and 28 and the clutching member 35 may be in contacting engagement, and the pin 36 is raised into a position where it seats or engages in an opening 31 in a clutch plate 38. Mounted upon this clutch plate is an eccentric 38 having its collar 4 0 provided with an arm 4I. The clutch plate 38, eccentric disc 38 and collar 40 are also rotatably mounted upon the sleeve 33. The clutch member 35 has an annular groove a in which is seated a bifurcated clutch arm 35L pivoted at b, the arm being shifted by a clutch handle c conveniently mounted exterior of 4the tub.

In order to communicate the reciprocating or oscillating movement of the eccentric disc 39 to the shaft 34. the arm 4I is fulcrumed at 42 to a By reason of this con- "changed to a reciprocatory or oscillatory movement imparted to the shaft 34' and the impeller or agitator 8.

I The shaft 34 is disclosed as bearing in the sleeve v33 and likewise in a sleeve 41 provided in the upper portion of the casing or housing 1. Adjacent its upper end, the shaft 34 is keyed to a spline-torque-head 48 upon which is mounted the dome 49 of the impeller or agitator, this dome being provided with corresponding splines or flutes 50 whereby the agitator may be detachably connected to and oscillated by the shaft and its torque-head 48. The coupling of the agitator or impeller to the shaftand it's torque-head may be made in any suitable way; for example, by making the torque-head polygonal. It is however to be understood that any suitable attaching means may be provided whereby the agitator or impeller is positively driven. l

'Ihe agitator or impeller is disclosed as dished or concaved, the outer periphery thereof being formed with a bead 5I. Upstanding upon the impeller or agitator is a liquid impelling blade or vane 52 having its maximum height adjacent the outer edge of the impe-ller. The agitatoror impeller may be provided with a strengthening rib or corrugation 53, the latter having little or no action upon the liquid in the tub, but enabling the clothes to pass over the dome 49 of the impeller. However, itis to be understood that the invention comprehends the provision of one or more blades or vanes vupon the impeller or agitator.

In Fig. 5, the impeller or agitator 8 is disclosed as provided withtwo blades or vanes 52' arranged in V-formation. The end of the V forms or merges into a rib 531 extending radially and substantially across the impeller or agitator. This rib or raised portion is quite similar to the rib 53 and enables the clothes to pass over the raised center portion or dome as they circulate in the washing fluid. In the form disclosed in Figs. l, 2 and 5. the agitator or impeller-ls shown as dished although it is to be understood that the impeller oregitator may be constructed flat or otherwise shaped to give` the desired washing action.

The tub is disclosed as provided with a bead or rim 54 mounted in an inclined position and attached to the bottom and side walls of the tub. This bead or rim is annular in shape and encompasses the outer edge or periphery of the impeller or agitator and is in close proximity therewith. 'Ihe purpose of this bead or rim is to prevent lthe clothes or other materials being operated upon, from ndlng access under the lmpeller or agitator, thereby preventing damage to the clothes and materials being washed due to any clogging under or around the agitator and preventing eflcient operation thereof.

In order to prevent seepage or leakage of the washing fluid from the tub, there is provided a packing 55 seating against a spring 56 on the top of the casing or housing 1, and at its upper edge threaded to a sleeve 51 having an annular ange 58 adapted to seat against the exterior of the tub. This sleeve .51 is also threaded exteriorly to receive a cap 59 adapted to seat against the interior oi' the tub and to draw the flange 58 of the sleeve 51 into seating engagement with the exterior oi.' the tub. This cap is provided with an annular opening in which is seated a packing or washer 60. By reason of this construction. an emcient liquid seal is provided.

Fig. 7 discloses an alternate construction of drive mechanism for the impeller or agitator. In this construction, the arm 4I of the eccentric 39 is connected at 6| to a gear segment 62 pivotally mounted on a stub shaft 63. This segment is reciprocated by the eccentric and in turn meshes with a pinion 64 keyed on the agitator shaft 34 and imparts a rapid reciprocatory movement to the shaft 34 and the agitator or impeller.

From the above description and the disclosure in the drawings, it will be readily appreciated that the invention comprises a novel washing machine construction in which a liquid impeller or agitator is mounted in an inclined position adjacent the bottom of the tub but at one side thereof. By reason of the reciprocating or oscillating movement of the impeller and its liquid impelling vane or vanes, the washing or cleansing liquid will be positively impelled in opposite directions, in a generally rotary progression, rst downwardly and across the bottom of the tub, thence upwardly along the side wall, thence across the tub, and thence downwardly and inwardly toward the impeller, whereby the clothes and other materials will be positively cleansed while substantially suspended or sustained in the washing uid. In operation, it has been found that the most violent washing action is normally obtained when the blade or blades of the agitator are mounted so as to oscillate through the lowest portion of the arc o f travel, i. e. it is desirable that the blade or blades be so positioned and arranged as to be located in the lowermost portion of the arc of oscillation. so `that such blade or blades move a substantially equal distance to either side of the lowermost point. However, it is to be understood that the blade orblades may pass through any arc desired in their oscillation, and any number of blades, equally or unequally spaced-on the agitator or impeller may be employed to secure the desired washing action.

The violent water action and washing eiliciency is normallyv dependent upon the size of the agitator or impeller, the arc through which it oscillates and the size of its blade or blades, as well as the size and capacity ofthe tub and the co-relation between the impeller and tub. I have found in practice that excellent results are obtained by operating the disclosed agitator at approximately from fty-two to sixty-four oscillations per minute and through an arc of approximately from 180 to 225.

Having thus disclosed the invention,

I claim:

l. A washing machine comprising in combination a tub for containing washing fluid and clothes and other fabrics and materials to be cleansed thereby, the bottom of the tub being concave, and a disc-like impeller mounted adjacent a side of said tub and positioned at an angle to both the vertical and horizontal, said impeller being provided with an upstandlng vane whereby to vigorously impel the washing uid and contained clothes and other fabrics and materials downwardly and across the concaved bottom of the tub thence upwardly along the side wall, thence across the tub, and thence downwardly and inwardly toward the impeller, whereby the clothes and other fabrics and materials will be cleansed while substantially suspended and sustained in the washing uid.

2. A washing machine comprising in combination, a tub for containing washing fluid and clothes and other materials to be cleansed thereby, the bottom of said tub being concave, and a disclike reciprocatory impeller provided with a liquid impelling means, said impeller being mounted in said concavity adjacent a side of said tub and positioned at an angle to both the vertical and horizontal, said tub and impeller being so constructed and arranged with respect to each other, that during the operation of the impeller the washing fluid will be lmpelled in opposite directions, in a generally rotary progression, first downwardly and across the concaved bottom of the tub, thence upwardly along the side wall, thence across the tub, and thence downwardly and inwardly toward the impeller, whereby the clothes and other materials will be cleansed while substantially suspended and sustained in the washing uid, and power means for imparting rapid reciprocatory movements to said impeller.

3. A washing machine comprising in combination a round tub for containing cleansing liquid and clothes and other materials, said tub being provided with a concaved bottom portion merging with a vertical side wall, a disc-like agitator positioned adjacent said side wall at an angle to both the vertical and horizontal, and provided with liquid impelling means adapted to impel the liquid across the concaved bottom of the tub, up the side wall, across the tub and back to the agitator. and power means for rapidly reciprocating said agitator whereby to impel said liquid in opposite directions so as to form violently opposed currents of liquid traveling in circulatory paths away from the impeller.

4. A washing machine comprising in combination a round tub for containing cleansing liquid and clothes and other material to be washed said tub being provided with a concave bottom merging with a vertical side wall, a bead mounted on theA interior of said tub at an inclination to both the vertical and horizontal, and a liquid impeller positioned and operable inwardly of said bead.

5. A washing machine comprising in combination a. round tub for containing cleansing liquid and clothes and other material to be washed, an annular bead mounted on the inner walls of said tub at an inclination to both the vertical and horizontal, a liquid impeller positioned inwardly of and having its outer edge adjacent said bead, and power means for rapidly reciprocating said impeller.

6. In a washing machine, a tub provided with a bottom having a perforated portion, a disclike agitator mounted to one side of said bottom at an angle to both the vertical and horizontal and adjacent said perforated portion and adapted to rapidly impel the washing fluid across the bottom of the tub, up the side wall and across the tub and back to the agitator, a casing mounted below said perforated portion and forming a sediment trap for the reception of the dirt and foreign materials gravitating from the clothes being washed, and drain means connected to said casing for withdrawing the collected dirt and foreign materials and for draining said tub.

7. A washing machine comprising in combination a tub for containing washing iiuid and clothes and other materials to be cleansed thereby, a housing mounted adjacent the bottom and to one side of the tub, an impeller mounted in an inclined position in said tub, a shaft mounted in said housing in an inclined position wma arespect to the vertical and projecting upwardly therefrom and into said tub for operating :sa'id impeller, and drive means in said housing for driving said shaft.

8. In a washing machine, a tub. a impeller operable in said tub at an indinaii'on to the vertical, an upstanding projection nei:- tending substantially across the and gradually decreasing in height from one end zo the other and a dome in the center of said pellet and bisecting said projection.

9. In a washing machine, a tub; and a impelier operable in said tub and formed but a pair of vanes arranged in V formation 'and @esegui extending substantially across :the `surface of the impeller.

10. A .liquid impeller for .a -washing :machine provided with ,but a pair Lof blades .arranged in V formation, the point of the -V :extending -radialiy Ioutward from lthe center fof the J'mpelier to .shstantia'lly the iopposite side and .form'ing a r il. A washing machine comprising in :combi- .nation 1a tub for containing washing lfiuid and `clothes .and the 'like to be cleaned thereby, the bottom of the tub being concave, and .a fdjsc-like impelier .mounted Aadjacent -a :side of `the 'tub :and positioned :at an ang-1e of .approximately v45 degrees .to the vertical.

JOHN MIKUIASEK. 

